Johnson & Johnson closes $1.25B Yellow Jersey acquisition

Johnson & Johnson finalized its $1.25 billion acquisition of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Switzerland-headquartered Numab Therapeutics , to secure the global rights to a treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Originally announced May 28 , the New Brunswick-based pharmaceutical giant announced the closing July 11.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the U.S., according to J&J.

NM26 is a novel, investigational first-in-class bispecific antibody that is being developed to treat AD. J&J said NM26 is ready to enter Phase 2 studies.

“NM26 is designed to help different subpopulations of patients by targeting two disease-driving pathways, which is key when treating a heterogeneous disease like AD,” David Lee, global immunology therapeutic area head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, said in a statement. “We are excited about the potential this represents to transform the standard of care for AD, as well as other inflammatory skin diseases involving [Th2-mediated skin inflammation] and itch.”

Candice Long, J&J worldwide vice president, Immunology, added that nearly three-quarters of those with AD aren’t achieving remission with available treatments.

“The unmet need is high, and we must do better for patients,” she added. “Our investment in NM26, and other bispecific antibodies, is another important step towards our mission of durable, symptom-free remission for all patients living with immune-mediated diseases.”

The Yellow Jersey buy follows J&J’s $850 million acquisition of Proteologix Inc. , which focuses on bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated diseases. According to J&J, that deal also strengthens its pipeline addressing AD.

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